Education vs. Experience in the Job Market

For decades, young people in high school have been told that
getting a college degree is the best option (or maybe the only option) for
getting a high-paying, fulfilling job.The other thing professionals new to the job market learn quickly is
that everybody wants experience. So which is more important? Are higher
education and experience weighed equally or is one more important than the
other? Do you have to have a degree
to get a high paying job?

The answer to this question may depend on your desired field.Technical positions that rely on skill-
specific processes and knowledge of terminology such as auto technicians,
nurses, doctors, and biologists often get experience as part of their degree
through internships and clinical studies, but the degree level is a must. For
more creative and communicative positions, there are plenty of valuable degrees
available, but experience is more likely to get you a job in these fields than
education alone. The reasoning is that positions such as photographers,
designers, and journalists must adapt to each task using the talents and skills
they have learned, but every time is different. It’s not about learning a
process and repeating it multiple times; it’s about developing strategies and
skills which can only be done through experience. Of course, there are
positions that use exact knowledge and skills as well as creative talents and
social skills such as teachers and social workers. A balance of education and
experience is most effective, but the minimum degree level of a job function
needs to be met before applying for that type of position.

There are fields where individuals seem to find a job within
weeks of graduation and others where a college grad is still submitting resumes
on their parents’ couch a year later. The real reason for this is less about
how much education or experience a
person has and more about what industries are growing, have a lot of money, and
have jobs in the area you are living. In some areas of the country, the medical
and education fields are huge; in others, maybe publishing and manufacturing
are growing faster. No matter what, seeking a career in whatever field most
excites you will better ensure long term fulfillment on the job.

So how do you know what to do and what not to do to get the
job you want? Research. Find out what type of degree you need, what cities are
best to live in for that industry, the salary range, and what types of
experiences will prepare you for it. Look for different kinds of experience:
internships, volunteer opportunities, trips, clubs you can join, and ways you can
build your skills on your own. Spend the time gaining the skills you need---if
it’s through work experience, get that job; if it’s through education, hit the
books and have a support system (another job) to keep you going while you get
your degree. Any job will pay the bills, but look for one that is even slightly
related to your career goals and you’ll be better off.Don’t rule out the idea of relocating and be
open to changing your course a little for opportunities you hadn’t considered
before.